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aTV Flash for Apple TV 2nd Gen now in Beta available

optophobia

optophobia

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Oct 26, 2007
877
24
Hudson MA
aTV Flash (black) beta now available!

We're proud to announce the release of the first beta version of aTV Flash (black) for the new AppleTV. This version features a number of exciting features, with many more to come.

Learn more about the great features included in the beta below.
What's in the beta?

* Surf the Web - Experience the web in all its glory and stream HTML5 video from many popular sites.
* Discover New Music - Find new artists you'll love by accessing Last.fm radio stations, artist bios and slideshows.
* Plex Client - Stream media from Plex Server running on your Mac.
* Info on Demand - Keep track of current weather and news feeds on your AppleTV.
* One-click Updates - Install, remove or update plugins in a snap through the native AppleTV interface.

What's coming soon?

* Go Beyond iTunes - Enable additional media formats such as AVI, MP4, MKV, DVD files & many more.
* Access Media Anywhere - Stream media from most NAS devices (including Airport Extreme and Time Capsule).
* Much, much more...

How do I get it?

* Current Users - aTV Flash (black) is available as a free upgrade. Download links and any available renewal specials can be found in your account.
* New Users - aTV Flash (black) is available for pre-order at a discounted price of $19.95. All pre-orders get instant access to current and future beta versions.

Pre-order now
 
Warning I guess to people that want to try this out. Since there is no untethered jailbreak for iOS4.2 yet, aTV Flash will not work if you have upgraded the firmware. You have to downgrade to and jailbreak 4.1 before running aTV Flash.

EDIT: It doesn't look like it's possible to downgrade 4.2 to 4.1, so I guess we are just going to have to wait until aTV Flash gets updated to support 4.2, or actually, wait until a real jailbreak is out for 4.2.
 
Last edited:
DeusInvictus7 said:
Warning I guess to people that want to try this out. Since there is no untethered jailbreak for iOS4.2 yet, aTV Flash will not work if you have upgraded the firmware. You have to downgrade to and jailbreak 4.1 before running aTV Flash.

EDIT: It doesn't look like it's possible to downgrade 4.2 to 4.1, so I guess we are just going to have to wait until aTV Flash gets updated to support 4.2, or actually, wait until a real jailbreak is out for 4.2.
Click to expand...

Latest ATV2 firmware is 4.1
 
i never upgraded mine. im still on 4.0. i am trying to install it now. but it is not finding my device...
 
DeusInvictus7 said:
In the About screen on my AppleTV, OS Build Version is 4.2.1 Build 8C150, just like every other iDevice.

In the About screen, press enter twice to see the OS Build.
Click to expand...

oops your right- not sure what i was thinking- but I think you can restore with 4.1 like the atvFlash instructions say (it links to 4.1 download).

1. Download and install the latest version of iTunes (check for updates through Software Update located in Apple menu).

2. Download AppleTV 2G firmware. Version 4.1.0: AppleTV2,1_4.1_8M89_Restore.ipsw

3. Download the Pwnage Tool which will streamline the jailbreak process. Version 4.1.2: PwnageTool_4.1.2.dmg

4. Connect AppleTV 2G to your computer using a micro USB cable - the power cable should not be connected.

I'm pretty sure I did downgrade to get plex back on after updating to check out airplay, though I have 3 ATV2's so possibly might not have had 4.2 on that one.

I will try to install this when I get home and update ya...

Also- i dont think a tethered jailbrake would be that bad- how often do you reset your atv? I jbroke my ipad and haven't had to reset it, and if so no big deal. Allows me to airplay safari, airvideo (mp4's only) and eyetv

EDIT: Im confused as ****. I swear when ios 4.2.1 was released last week the ATV update was 4.1, but the download says 4.2 now. The MacRumors post about 4.2.1 had this disclaimer:

"Update: A software update for the new Apple TV is also now available, with Apple's servers reporting that it is iOS 4.2. The Apple TV itself, however, reports the software version as "4.1"."

not sure whats going on
 
Last edited:
DeusInvictus7 said:
Warning I guess to people that want to try this out. Since there is no untethered jailbreak for iOS4.2 yet, aTV Flash will not work if you have upgraded the firmware. You have to downgrade to and jailbreak 4.1 before running aTV Flash.

EDIT: It doesn't look like it's possible to downgrade 4.2 to 4.1, so I guess we are just going to have to wait until aTV Flash gets updated to support 4.2, or actually, wait until a real jailbreak is out for 4.2.
Click to expand...

Crap. It would have been nice for FireCore to put this disclaimer out before I ordered it.
 
Wheeler said:
oops your right- not sure what i was thinking- but I think you can restore with 4.1 like the atvFlash instructions say (it links to 4.1 download).

1. Download and install the latest version of iTunes (check for updates through Software Update located in Apple menu).

2. Download AppleTV 2G firmware. Version 4.1.0: AppleTV2,1_4.1_8M89_Restore.ipsw

3. Download the Pwnage Tool which will streamline the jailbreak process. Version 4.1.2: PwnageTool_4.1.2.dmg

4. Connect AppleTV 2G to your computer using a micro USB cable - the power cable should not be connected.

I'm pretty sure I did downgrade to get plex back on after updating to check out airplay, though I have 3 ATV2's so possibly might not have had 4.2 on that one.

I will try to install this when I get home and update ya...

Also- i dont think a tethered jailbrake would be that bad- how often do you reset your atv? I jbroke my ipad and haven't had to reset it, and if so no big deal. Allows me to airplay safari, airvideo (mp4's only) and eyetv

EDIT: Im confused as ****. I swear when ios 4.2.1 was released last week the ATV update was 4.1, but the download says 4.2 now. The MacRumors post about 4.2.1 had this disclaimer:

"Update: A software update for the new Apple TV is also now available, with Apple's servers reporting that it is iOS 4.2. The Apple TV itself, however, reports the software version as "4.1"."

not sure whats going on
Click to expand...

Yeah I tried that, and it gave an error saying that the firmware was not compatible with the device...

GravityEyes said:
Crap. It would have been nice for FireCore to put this disclaimer out before I ordered it.
Click to expand...

Yep. In the FireCore forums, they do say they are working on it so that it can support 4.2, but i guess we just have to wait it out.
 
Look like good progress. I use ATVFlash with my 1st gen AppleTV. Mostly to allow me to attach a USB Hard Drive. Not sure if this will be possible with the second gen.

The Plex idea is nice, but I rather have some locally attached.
 
Last edited:
optophobia said:
aTV Flash (black) beta now available!

We're proud to announce the release of the first beta version of aTV Flash (black) for the new AppleTV. This version features a number of exciting features, with many more to come.

Learn more about the great features included in the beta below.
What's in the beta?

* Surf the Web - Experience the web in all its glory and stream HTML5 video from many popular sites.
* Discover New Music - Find new artists you'll love by accessing Last.fm radio stations, artist bios and slideshows.
* Plex Client - Stream media from Plex Server running on your Mac.
* Info on Demand - Keep track of current weather and news feeds on your AppleTV.
* One-click Updates - Install, remove or update plugins in a snap through the native AppleTV interface.

What's coming soon?

* Go Beyond iTunes - Enable additional media formats such as AVI, MP4, MKV, DVD files & many more.
* Access Media Anywhere - Stream media from most NAS devices (including Airport Extreme and Time Capsule).
* Much, much more...

How do I get it?

* Current Users - aTV Flash (black) is available as a free upgrade. Download links and any available renewal specials can be found in your account.
* New Users - aTV Flash (black) is available for pre-order at a discounted price of $19.95. All pre-orders get instant access to current and future beta versions.

Pre-order now
Click to expand...

What kind or where can I get the specified micro-usb cable to jailbreak, so that I can use this aTV Flash (black)? And do you have some sort of mail-in service where I can send my Apple TV to you and you can jailbreak and install it for me? One last question, if Apple releases more updates in the future for Apple TV (i.e. version 4.3, 4.4, etc), then will it remove this aTV Flash software and I will have to redo the whole jailbreak process again? Thanks!
 
amitdoc2b said:
What kind or where can I get the specified micro-usb cable to jailbreak, so that I can use this aTV Flash (black)? And do you have some sort of mail-in service where I can send my Apple TV to you and you can jailbreak and install it for me? One last question, if Apple releases more updates in the future for Apple TV (i.e. version 4.3, 4.4, etc), then will it remove this aTV Flash software and I will have to redo the whole jailbreak process again? Thanks!
Click to expand...

Cable: Micro-USB to USB. eBay has them cheap and so does Monoprice.com

Jailbreak it yourself it's very easy and takes about 10 minutes.. Here's how...
http://wiki.awkwardtv.org/wiki/Beginners_Guide_AppleTV2

aTV Flash requires the ATV to be jailbroken. If you upgrade the ATV software thru the ATV menu or thru iTunes it will write over the jailbreak. Thus requiring another JB. The new beta for aTV Flash Black runs on Software Version 4.0 and will not currently run on the latest software 4.1. Check under General>About on your ATV menu to see what software version you have.
 
pasipple said:
Cable: Micro-USB to USB. eBay has them cheap and so does Monoprice.com

Jailbreak it yourself it's very easy and takes about 10 minutes.. Here's how...
http://wiki.awkwardtv.org/wiki/Beginners_Guide_AppleTV2

aTV Flash requires the ATV to be jailbroken. If you upgrade the ATV software thru the ATV menu or thru iTunes it will write over the jailbreak. Thus requiring another JB. The new beta for aTV Flash Black runs on Software Version 4.0 and will not currently run on the latest software 4.1. Check under General>About on your ATV menu to see what software version you have.
Click to expand...

Thank you. I'll probably wait for the 4.1 update for this aTV because I want to be able to use airplay video features from my iPhone that came with the new iPhone 4.1 update.
 
It would be nice if there was a way to connect an external USB drive in for storage, but I guess right now that would not work.
 
MrMoore said:
Look like good progress. I use ATVFlash with my 1st gen AppleTV. Mostly to allow me to attach a USB Hard Drive. Not sure if this will be possible with the second gen.

The Plex idea is nice, but I rather have some locally attached.
Click to expand...

Me too... As soon as they enable an external HD I'm in... Although streaming from a NAS might work just as well... Good start so far... Need to just wait a little longer I think... Btw - if anyone gets BBC iplayer working on the new ATV theyve got my money!!!!
 
This is what I wanted in an appletv. I am looking forward to being able to play internet movies on my appletv.
 
DanMacApple said:
It would be nice if there was a way to connect an external USB drive in for storage, but I guess right now that would not work.
Click to expand...

I'm not sure it could ever work. Since the ATV2 only has a device-side USB connector, it probably doesn't have the ability to act as a USB host in order to control a disk or other device.
 
I have two Apple TVs

one is currently in use but updated to the latest firmware.
The other has NOT been updated, but has not been jailbroken, so is it possible to install ATV flash on that one ?
 
optophobia said:
I have two Apple TVs

one is currently in use but updated to the latest firmware.
The other has NOT been updated, but has not been jailbroken, so is it possible to install ATV flash on that one ?
Click to expand...

Dont think so- Apple recently stopped signing the atv 4.0 (ios 4.1) software so you wont be able jailbreak it. A workaround is in process but as of right now I dont think you would get past the custom restore step
 
Wheeler said:
Dont think so- Apple recently stopped signing the atv 4.0 (ios 4.1) software so you wont be able jailbreak it. A workaround is in process but as of right now I dont think you would get past the custom restore step
Click to expand...

That is EXACTLY what I thought. Their site is misleading stating "if you already updated.. bla bla bla." But what they really mean is if it isnt jailbroken you can't install YET
 
Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU iPhone OS 4_2_1 like Mac OS X; en-gb) AppleWebKit/533.17.9 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/5.0.2 Mobile/8C148 Safari/6533.18.5)

Could somebody who's got this try if they can access BBC iplayer through the browser?!
 
Will flash video play with this installed at the moment? Or is it HTML5 only? And does plug-ins work with the included Plex install?
 
Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU iPhone OS 4_2_1 like Mac OS X; en-gb) AppleWebKit/533.17.9 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/5.0.2 Mobile/8C148 Safari/6533.18.5)

It's still an iOS device so I can guarantee you flash won't work! ;)
 
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